KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Alex Nichols of Central Methodist (Mo.) has been named the 2019 Select Sport America-NAIA Men’s Soccer Coach of the year, the NAIA announced Thursday.

Central Methodist (Mo.) was awarded the red banner for the second year in a row after defeating Hastings (Neb.) 3-1. The Eagles finished their 2019 season undefeated in championship history with a perfect 10-0.

The announcement occurred Thursday at the United Soccer Coaches’ National Convention in Baltimore.

Nichols enters his sixth season at the helm of the Central Methodist men's soccer program. He led the eagles to their second trip ever to the national championship and left once again with hardware. The Eagles are the first to be named back-to-back champions since Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) won three from 1999 to 2001. Nicholas holds a career record of 93-26-8.

This season, three of Nichols' players were first-team All-America selections: forward Daniel Hernandez, defender Marcos German and goalkeeper Vince Gelei. He also coached, forward Alberto Pangrazzi and Midfielder Podrigo Paredes, who were both awarded second-team All-American.

The 2019 Select Sport America-NAIA National Coach of the Year is voted on by the NAIA-Men’s Soccer Coaches Association and is announced at the annual National Convention. To be eligible, a head coach must be selected as their conference or unaffiliated group coach of the year or lead their team to the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship postseason play.

Also announced during the National Convention was the 2019 Champions of Character Select Sport America-NAIA Scholarship Recipient. The winner is Juli Molas Fernandez of Missouri Valley. The recipient is determined by the Men’s Soccer National Championship Tournament Committee. The criteria take into consideration is a display of exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus, and in the community, surrounding the five core values of the Champions of Character program.